You Are There – Surrender Of New Amsterdam, 1664AD. ep84, 500122

Old-Fashioned Compass Rose
"Used with permission from Microsoft."

For some background, after the British bought Manhattan Island from the Indians, they didn’t do much with it. It was after Hudson explored the bay that was later named for him, under the Dutch flag that brought settlers to the area. The Duke of York now wants to claim his land, and troops are sent to take over. The Dutch settlers are worried their hard work will be stolen from them, their house confiscated, and a general takeover from the British will leave them with nothing.

CBS reporters get the word on the street. Some factions of the Dutch are worried at the prospect of the loss, and are wanting to resist. Others welcome the British since the current government has restricted trade. The merchants have had to resort to smuggling to get their goods in, and to market.

Soldiers are standing by at the fort, waiting for word from the governor. Will a battle ensue? Will the Dutch fight for their settlement? Listen in to see if a compromise might be worked out so the settlers can keep their homes, and still have the free trade that others demand.

PS: There’s just one thing, they’ll have to get rid of that name, New Amsterdam. Since the land belongs to the Duke of York, maybe they could call it New York? What do you think? Will that name ever catch on with the locals? Time will tell.